HumanizeHer with Erica Lockheimer

In this episode of the HumanizeHer Podcast, professional beach volleyball player and former tech Product Marketing Manager Torrey Van Winden joins us to discuss the systemic financial disparities facing female athletes, her experience overcoming career-threatening injuries, and her ambitious comeback bid for the LA 2028 Olympics.   Torrey left her stable corporate job to chase one thing: a spot on the 2028 LA Olympic team. She's a professional beach volleyball player and a newly named 2026 Cal Poly Hall of Famer - but this comeback almost didn't happen. In her first professional match out of college, she tore her ACL, fractured her femur and tibia, and learned her tour offered injured athletes nothing (not even health insurance). It took years of resentment before that pain turned into purpose. She rebuilt herself through rehab, then built a second career at GameChanger in Product Marketing. But this year, she gave up her apartment, became a nomad, and bet her entire savings on one more shot.   Inspired by a previous podcast clip highlighting the reality that many Olympic athletes receive zero income from their sport, Torrey shares her perspective on the stark gap between collegiate support systems and the domestic professional volleyball circuit. She shines a light on a pay gap most fans never hear about: her mother earned roughly 40 percent more on tour in 1998 than Torrey does today for the same finish. Drawing from her background in sport management, her tenure at tech company GameChanger, and her family's sports legacy, she outlines her vision for building a sustainable infrastructure for women in sports and leveraging her personal brand to drive meaningful change. Her own words: stop complaining about it, and do something about it. No sponsors. No guaranteed paycheck. Just her, betting on herself.   Key Highlights:   College-To-Pro Financial Drop-off: Discussion on how NCAA beach volleyball programs offer extensive support, whereas domestic professional leagues offer minimal financial security or medical safety nets - even as costs for elite training climb. Overcoming Career-Threatening Injuries: Torrey recounts suffering a severe knee injury (ACL, meniscus, femur, and tibia fracture) in her pro debut and a subsequent re-injury, detailing the mental and physical recovery process that shifted her perspective from resentment to purpose. Transitioning To Tech And Back: How an opportunity at GameChanger led to a role as a Product Marketing Manager, equipping her with corporate and sports-tech insights on athlete monetization and brand-building. The LA 2028 Olympic Comeback: Torrey outlines the mechanics of the international beach volleyball point system, her decision to bet on herself financially, and her strategy for climbing the ladder from Futures to Elite 16 events with her partner, Lindsey Sparkes. Redefining The Female Athlete Narrative: A candid look at body image in media, rejecting narrow stereotypes about what an elite beach volleyball player looks like, and using social media authentically to advocate for women's sports.   "It's hard to even describe...the energy within me had fully shifted from fear-based to: how much are you going to complain about it before you do something about it? And that really hit me hard." - Torrey Van Winden   Special Shoutouts in this Episode: Leela Srinivasan Todd Rogers Olivia Eisenhauer Lindsey Sparkes Devon Newberry, Ilona Maher, Victoria Garrick Browne, & Serena Williams Ana Patricia Ramos & Duda Santos Lisboa Her Cousins ❣️ Her Sister - Adlee Cass (Van Winden) ❣️ Her Mother - Kelly Van Winden ❣️   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.   **** Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the Woman Cave: How Torrey found HumanizeHer 03:40 – The financial reality of pro female athletes & Parity's data 07:15 – Title IX, the college beach volleyball boom, and systemic league failures 15:30 – Career-altering pro debut injury & losing the collegiate safety net 21:10 – The road back: Coaching at FSU and joining GameChanger Tech 26:45 – Identity crisis, therapy, and shifting from resentment to purpose 31:20 – Transitioning to Product Marketing & corporate lessons in sports tech 37:00 – The LA 2028 comeback: Leaving corporate life to bet on herself 42:15 – Gaming the point system: Futures, Challengers, and qualifying for the Games 47:30 – Body image, social media, and changing the narrative for women's sports 51:10 – "Pay It Forward": Honoring her mom, sister, and volleyball dynasty  

In this episode of the HumanizeHer Podcast, we sit down with Gina Bianchini, Co-Founder and CEO of Mighty Networks. Gina shares her vision for shifting the online landscape away from isolated, transactional social media toward meaningful, intentional digital and real-world connections. Reflecting on her entrepreneurial trajectory - from her childhood experiences with local passion clubs and community support systems to founding Ning and Mighty Networks - Gina breaks down what truly creates a thriving culture: setting clear norms for positive engagement, embracing "patient impatience," and treating every member as important.   Nine years ago, Gina Bianchini set out to fix something broken: the word community. As CEO and Founder of Mighty Networks, she has spent nearly a decade building what she now calls "People Magic" - real, human connection, not just an audience clicking follow. A Stanford graduate and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Purpose: Design a Community & Change Your Life, Gina has built her career around one question: what actually makes people feel like they belong?    In 2025 alone, hosts on Mighty earned $500 million building genuine communities around what they love - a number Gina tracks over her own company's revenue. Before Mighty Networks, she co-founded Ning and helped launch LeanIn.org alongside Sheryl Sandberg - but Mighty Networks is where she stayed, growing it steadily, because she believes belonging cannot be outsourced to an algorithm. She introduces the concept of "People Magic" - using AI and software to guide host-led communities, organize micro-clusters, and seamlessly bridge digital interactions with real-life connections. Key Highlights:   Culture Over Rules: Successful communities focus on establishing a shared culture of how members show up and support one another rather than listing dynamic restrictions. Redefining Community as "People Magic": Moving beyond standard social media metrics and passive content consumption to facilitate guided, intentional human connections and real-world meetups. "Cluster" Dynamics: Why the healthiest communities mimic real-life gatherings by creating smaller groups (12-18 members) rather than pushing high-velocity, single-thread chats. AI as Co-Host: Leveraging software to automate admin overhead, curate relationships, and coordinate scale operations (like 1,000 local dinners) without isolating members behind chatbots. Story-Sharing vs. Advice-Giving: Why giving unsolicited advice shuts down conversations, whereas sharing personal experiences and asking open questions builds safe, resilient spaces. Rethinking Conversation Starters: Swapping transactional status questions ("What do you do?") for passion-driven inquiries ("What are you excited about right now?").   "I think about social media as the high-fructose corn syrup of relationships. Community to me is about creating a culture where people know how to show up for each other, share stories instead of advice, and build genuine connection." - Gina Bianchini   Throughout this conversation, Gina offers practical wisdom on avoiding premature optimization, moving away from advice-giving in favor of story-sharing, and reframing how we build relationships both online and off. For Gina, community is not a platform feature. It is the village that shows up when it matters most.   Special Shoutouts in this Episode: Tricia Murphy   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.   **** Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome Gina Bianchini - Co-Founder & CEO of Mighty Networks 05:15 – What makes a great community: Culture, intentionality, and positive reinforcement 12:40 – Blending digital tools with real-life connections (IRL) & members near you 21:10 – "People Magic" vs. standard social media & avoiding AI isolation 32:00 – Optimal community sizes, micro-clusters, and the two-pizza rule 42:15 – Common community pitfalls: Advice vs. story-sharing & premature optimization 48:30 – Gina's backstory: Cupertino clubs, guinea pigs, and founding Ning & Mighty Networks 52:10 – Personal tragedy at age 11 and how community showed up when it mattered most 55:40 – Eradicating "What do you do?" and shifting to "What are you excited about?" 57:15 – Pay-it-forward shoutout to godmother Tricia Murphy & closing wrap-up

We took HumanizeHer to the SheTO Ignite Summit 2025 and rolled out our own red carpet to catch some of tech's most brilliant women…twirls, crowns, capes, and all! 🦸‍♀️   SheTO is the premier global network for women and non-binary engineering leaders, and the SheTO Ignite Summit is all about celebrating the people who are actually building the industry. Founder Nidhi Gupta built SheTO from a single "let's do something big" dinner-table idea into a massive movement across dozens of countries. Her vision anchors the entire event - a room full of brilliant women who, for once, get to drop the burden of being "the only," and can simply connect, learn, and step into their power.   Our red carpet chats captured the summit's best takeaways in real time with our very own Erica Lockheimer, Founder and CEO of HumanizeHer. We spoke with attendees about the evolving landscape of engineering leadership, from building workplace trust and practicing radical candor, to the technical realities of taking AI from prompt to production. The conversations at the 2025 Summit were as dynamic as the women themselves, touching on storytelling with Emmy-winning journalist Ann Curry, navigating women's health at work with our past podcast guest Joanna Strober, the importance of a well-deserved career break, or how confidence shows up in your wardrobe - we caught all the brilliance as it happened.   Featured Powerhouse Women: Nidhi Gupta | Founder & CEO, SheTO Ann Curry | Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Monica Bajaj | VP of Engineering, Okta (SheTO Board Member) Aarathi Vidyasagar | VP of Engineering, Uber Ajita Thomas | Director of Engineering, LinkedIn Business platform Kamal Singla | Director of Software Engineering, LinkedIn Minda Harts | Author & Keynote Speaker (Talk to Me Nice) Daisy Tinsley Barnett | CEO & Co-Founder, The Daisy Edit Maddie Brauer | Enterprise Account Executive, Serval Kara Vitale | Enterprise Account Executive at Moveworks by ServiceNow Polina Stepanova | Engineering Manager at Pilot Guo Li | Staff Software Engineer, LinkedIn Lisa Dodge | Senior Director of Engineering Jing S | Engineering Leader, Uber Shruti Patil | Engineering Leader, Uber Priya Rangaiah | Senior Staff TPM, Uber   🎟️ Get your tickets to the 2026 SheTO Summit: https://www.sheto.org/summit

Note: This episode includes a candid discussion of domestic abuse, including emotional, financial, and physical abuse. If this content is difficult for you, please prioritize your own wellbeing. Support is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline - call 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.org.   In this emotional and empowering episode of the HumanizeHer Podcast, we sit down with Nillie Danesh - entrepreneur, life coach, and founder of Glory Jewelry (often known as the "Butterfly Girl"). Returning to her hometown after almost seven years to join us in The HumanizeHer Studio, Nillie reflects on her full-circle moment of overcoming the trauma associated with her past and transforming it into a platform for empowering women.   Nillie opens up about her 17-year relationship with her ex-husband, shedding light on the quiet, insidious nature of emotional, financial, and psychological abuse. She breaks down concepts like grooming, isolation, and love bombing, helping listeners understand how manipulative dynamics develop slowly over time. She shares the horrific turning point - surviving a life-threatening strangulation incident - that gave her the strength to break the cycle of domestic abuse for the sake of her own life and her two young sons.   Today she is known as the "Boundary Queen": a certified life coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Glory Jewelry, where every butterfly-inspired piece carries a chapter of her transformation story and a nod to the grandmother she believes still watches over her. Nillie has turned survival into advocacy, teaching women the boundaries and legal rights she wishes someone had taught her at a young age. It takes real courage to speak this openly, and she's choosing to do it so other women feel less alone in their own journey and her story can be a survival guide.   Nillie rebuilt her life and discovered her purpose - the inception of her jewelry business, inspired by her late grandmother and the symbolic transformation of the butterfly - dissolving in the cocoon to emerge anew. Nillie shares her wisdom on the necessity of enforcing non-negotiable boundaries, finding peace in solitude, and shifting from needing male validation to loving oneself first. From establishing firm boundaries in personal relationships and corporate settings to launching her new life coaching branch, Nillie's story serves as a survival guide and beacon of hope for women everywhere.   Key Takeaways:   Abuse Isn't Always Physical: Emotional, verbal, and financial abuse are often silent, slow-building, and heavily manipulative, utilizing tactics like gaslighting, isolation, and love bombing long before anyone notices physical warning signs. Boundaries Are A Doorway, Not A Wall: Enforcing non-negotiable boundaries isn't about shutting people out; it teaches people how to treat you and acts as an immediate filter against toxic "energy vampires." Master The Power Of Solitude: True personal empowerment means shifting from needing external validation or a partner to wanting a healthy addition to a life where you already prioritize your own peace and happiness. Transformation Requires Deep Shedding: Just like a caterpillar completely dissolves in its cocoon before emerging as a butterfly, enduring dark, difficult life transitions can lead to a powerful, beautiful rebirth and a renewed sense of purpose. Education Is A Vital Survival Tool: Spreading awareness about legal rights, relationship red flags, and healthy communication early on can help prevent women from getting trapped in toxic cycles for years.   "I always say my story can be a survival guide for someone else, and that's why I'm so open. I always want to share whatever piece they can take from it." - Nillie Danesh   Special Shoutouts in this Episode: Aubrey Amatelli Valerie Sassani   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.   **** Timestamps: 00:00 – Facing past PTSD and finding peace in her hometown 05:15 – Unpacking Silent Abuse: Understanding grooming, isolation, love bombing, and gaslighting in relationships 11:40 – Unlearning the "High" of Love Bombing: How toxic affection distorts healthy boundary expectations 17:10 – Escalation & Red Flags: Managing a partner, financial dependence, and walking on eggshells 24:20 – The Pivotal Moment: Surviving a strangulation incident and making the choice to escape 30:45 – Breaking the Cycle: Protecting her children, legal rights, and navigating the justice system 35:10 – Power of Boundaries: Learning self-worth, avoiding "energy vampires," and wanting vs. needing a partner 39:30 – Birth of Glory Jewelry: The "Butterfly Girl" story, grandmother connections, and spiritual transformation 43:10 – The "Boundary Queen": Life coaching, enforcing boundaries in corporate/business spaces, and sisterhood 46:50 – Pay It Forward: Elevating best friend and entrepreneur Aubrey Amatelli; where to find Nillie's work

In this episode, we sit down with Dana A. Griffin - the Co-Founder and CEO of Eldera.ai, redefining what it means to age in a longevity society. Raised by her grandparents in Transylvania, she was shaped early by the wisdom of older adults and a thread that runs through everything she's built. Before Eldera.ai, Dana was a data and advertising executive, named an Ad Age 40 Under 40. In 2018 she pivoted, using AI to connect vetted adults 60-plus with young people for weekly conversations - turning wisdom into a resource for the next generation. Eldera.ai has been featured by CNN, MSNBC, The Atlantic, and the UN's AI For Good initiative. Dana speaks six languages and has been featured by Columbia, Harvard, and Stanford for her work on longevity and human connection.   Eldera.ai is an AI-powered platform that pairs young people with mentors over 60 for weekly virtual conversations. The conversation dives into how Eldera.ai defines and captures human "wisdom," the onboarding and matching process, and the proprietary AI safety system (nicknamed "the chaperone") that monitors conversations via transcript and video analysis to protect both kids and elder mentors, with a human always in the loop. Donna discusses surprising outcomes like nearly half of participants being men (addressing male isolation), the platform's "generosity subscription" pay-it-forward business model, and Aldera's new partnership with the California Commission on Aging. The episode closes with reflections on redefining what "old" means, the demographic shift toward an aging population, and the power of intergenerational connection.   Key Highlights:   A Childhood Raised By Wisdom: Dana was raised by her grandparents in Transylvania, each speaking a different language to her and exposing her to competing worldviews (fairy tales vs. Greek mythology) - the root of her belief in the value of older generations. From Data to "AI For Good": Dana built her early career in data-driven marketing and social media, then pivoted entirely after losing her mentor Linda to brain cancer, teaching herself AI and landing in Google's "AI For Good" circle where the idea for Eldera.ai was born on the spot. Wisdom As A Fingerprint: Eldera.ai defines "wisdom" as the triangulation of knowledge, life experience, and common sense - a combination so personal that no two people express it the same way, captured through a "wisdom portrait" onboarding process that shapes every match. Safety Built On AI + Human Judgment: A proprietary system called "the chaperone" monitors every conversation via transcript and video analysis, flagging concerns across 12 categories (11 to protect kids, 1 to protect elders from financial fraud) - with a human always making the final call. Purpose Over Socializing: 46% of Eldera.ai's mentors are men, a demographic notoriously hard to reach through typical social programs; Donna credits this to giving mentors a clear "job" and responsibility rather than casual social interaction. Pay-It-Forward Business Model: Eldera.ai's "Generosity Subscription" lets members pay forward multiple memberships (avg. 2.7 per paying member), built around the values of generosity, curiosity, gratitude, and impact - recently reinforced by a new partnership with the California Commission on Aging.   "We believe that every person over 60 has reached a point where they have gathered enough wisdom that they have something to give back. Your wisdom is as unique to you as your fingerprint." - Dana A. Griffin   Special Shoutouts in this Episode: Raza Syed Adrian Otto Chip Conley Karol Swartzlander Steve Smith Linda Fried Personal Mentors: Esther & Etta Eldera Mentors: Jay, Doug, & Helen Friends: Amy Jo, Isabel, and Bridgette Dana's Grandparents ❣️   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.   **** Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Dana A. Griffin 02:00 – Growing up in Transylvania, raised by grandparents, learning six languages 10:00 – Moving to the U.S. for university, arriving days before 9/11 15:00 – Early career in data, direct marketing, and social media 20:00 – Discovering AI, the Google "AI For Good" meeting, and the idea for Eldera.ai is born 27:00 – Defining "wisdom" and building the wisdom portrait 33:00 – Partnership with the California Commission on Aging & pilot results 38:00 – How mentor-mentee matching and safety ("the chaperone" AI) works 47:00 – Success stories: the book deal, the cross-country visit, the "Zoom granny" 52:00 – Reaching retirement communities and the NASA Alumni Association partnership 56:00 – The "generosity subscription" business model explained

In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode of the HumanizeHer Podcast, hosts sit down with Tara Chklovski, CEO and Founder of Technovation (formerly Iridescent). Tara shares her incredible personal trajectory, growing up in India surrounded by formidable female role models - her grandmother who built a school from scratch at age 65 and her mother who joined the Indian military as a doctor at age 43 - and learning hands-on mechanics from her father.   Tara is on a mission to transform the future of technology and innovation to empower girls and young women to use cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems. Technovation is the world's largest accelerator for young women and now reaches over 34,000 participants from more than 100 countries, supported by thousands of volunteers worldwide. Over three months, Technovation girls partner with mentors from leading tech companies to launch real tech startups, tackling problems they see in their own communities. With nearly half a million lives already impacted and a bold mission to reach 25 million more, Technovation is proving something powerful: when you give a girl the tools, mentorship from industry leaders, and belief that she can change the world - she will. And that changes everything for all of us.   Tara discusses dropping out of a PhD program after seeing her aerospace research used in military drones, pivoting her life to address the gap of women and underrepresented groups in STEM. She details how Technovation grew from a local cafe meetup with 45 girls into the world's largest global tech accelerator for young women, impacting over 450,000 participants across 120 countries. The conversation tackles critical modern challenges, including the seismic impact of AI, bridging the gap between education and the workforce, re-evaluating diversity and inclusion strategies to bring male allies and majority groups along, and the crucial importance of building a "safe sandbox" for new learners.   Episode Highlights: Unconventional Beginnings: Raised in India where societal norms pushed girls toward home science, Tara was encouraged by her family to work with her hands, fix cars, and pursue physics and aerospace engineering in the U.S. Birth of Technovation: Spurred by the realization that many young women in the U.S. lacked self-efficacy in math and technology, Tara founded Technovation to give underdogs the tools and mindset to become innovators. Real-World Global Impact: From California teens building AI models to categorize invasive weeds to an Indian participant creating a road-monitoring app that led to a Google internship, Technovation builds problem-solving muscles in young girls to address community and world-changing issues. Scaling Through Innovation: How Technovation transitioned from in-person workshops to online curriculum platforms (with partners like UNICEF and over 16,000 global volunteers), aiming to reach 25 million girls in the next decade. Navigating AI Wave & DEI: Tara outlines why AI is a tidal wave to be ridden rather than feared, emphasizing the dangerous gap between rapid AI adoption in the workforce and bans in public school classrooms. She addresses how women risk being disproportionately affected by AI job displacements and advocates for project-based AI coding education for all youth.   "Find the right problem to orient your life towards, and honestly, everything else falls into place. Don't just stop at using Claude or ChatGPT - code with it. Don't be afraid; nothing will break. Find a simple problem that you have in your life and actually learn to code, because it just gives you a superpower." - Tara Chklovski   Special Shoutouts in this Episode: Anar Simpson Sidney Hough Tara's Grandmother & Mother ❣️   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.   **** Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome guest Tara Chklovski 01:30 – Growing up in India, home science vs. computer science, and strong female role models 04:15 – Working on cars with her father, studying aerospace engineering, and moving to the U.S. 05:40 – Dropping out of her PhD program and founding Iridescent (now Technovation) 08:15 – How Technovation operates as a 3-month tech startup accelerator for young girls 09:40 – Inspiring alumna stories: Sidney Hough's AI app for farmers and an Indian participant's road app 12:50 – Scaling Technovation globally using online platforms, UNICEF, and 16,000 volunteers 15:30 – AI in education vs. the workforce and the risk to women in declining job markets 18:20 – The evolution of DEI, re-evaluating merit vs. fairness dynamics, and creating safe sandboxes 22:15 – Male allies, chipping away at stereotypes, and how listeners can become virtual judges 25:10 – Tech policy work at the White House, presidential AI challenges, and apprenticeships 26:50 – ServiceNow-sponsored Tribeca documentary spotlight

In this engaging and insightful episode of the HumanizeHer Podcast, we sit down with long-time tech leader and advocate, Sarah Clatterbuck. Bringing a rich history of engineering leadership from top tech giants including Yahoo, Apple, LinkedIn, and Google - Sarah shares stories from her multi-decade career and her passionate work driving diversity, inclusion, and web accessibility.   As a senior engineering director who spent nearly three decades building the internet's biggest platforms, in Sarah's most recent role she helped build YouTube's creator economy from the ground up that grew into multi-billion-dollar businesses. In 2019, Forbes named her one of the Top 50 Women in Tech in the world. She builds with intention and is a champion of accessibility with the belief that products designed for the margins end up serving everyone.   In 2018, she and her husband chased a long-held dream and moved to Zürich on a work visa. Now seven years later, she has her permanent residency, yet still not a citizen. She has learned, firsthand, what it feels like to be an immigrant and build a life where you could still lose the right to stay. And now, she's doing something even bolder. She is taking a pause and fully stepping away with no set timeline or plan to return to the corporate world.   Episode Highlights:   Building Playbooks for Inclusion: Reflecting on her time at LinkedIn, Sarah details how she co-founded internal Women in Tech initiatives, establishing structured high school trainee and apprenticeship programs that created lasting pathways into STEM for underrepresented talent. Importance of Accessibility: Driven by early experiences working alongside visually impaired colleagues, Sarah highlights why accessibility isn't an afterthought. From fixing improper UI code to leveraging auto-captions, she emphasizes how designing inclusive products ultimately creates a better experience for everyone. Global Tech Perspectives: Sarah discusses moving her family to Zürich in 2018 to lead engineering teams at YouTube, offering key insights into navigating multi-cultural work environments, adapting to non-US markets, and experiencing life as an immigrant. Innovating the Creator Economy: A look behind the scenes at how YouTube developed multi-billion-dollar monetization channels for creators, including memberships, merch integration, and affiliate shopping programs. Embracing the "Pause": Sarah opens up about recognizing when it was time to step back from the intense demands of corporate tech leadership, sharing her perspective on mid-life career confidence, testing personal boundaries, and intentionally taking time off for family, outdoor adventures, and new analog or digital explorations.   "Accessible products make everyone's life easier. To me, that's what makes a great product: it's usable by everyone, and everyone benefits from those additional features and functionality." - Sarah Clatterbuck   Special Shoutouts in this Episode: Lorri Lee Lown Sabine Dukes Vinitra Swamy Jacqueline Ruedin Rüsch Angelica Morrone   Follow Sarah's journey on her Substack:  https://girodichatterbox.substack.com/   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.   **** Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome Sarah Clatterbuck 02:15 – Early days at LinkedIn, Grace Hopper Celebration memories, and co-founding Women in Tech 04:30 – Signature inclusion programs: High School Trainees, Apprenticeships (REACH), and INVEST 09:10 – Open-sourcing DEI playbooks on GitHub and stepping out of Silicon Valley 10:45 – Moving to YouTube in Zürich, language barriers, and global office culture 13:20 – Becoming a permanent resident in Switzerland and the perspective of being an immigrant 14:50 – Building YouTube's Creator Economy: Channel Memberships, Merch, and Affiliate Shopping 18:10 – Advice for growing YouTube channels and long-form vs. short-form content 21:05 – Transitioning from software engineer to engineering manager and early career mentors 23:15 – The decision to step away from corporate leadership and taking an intentional career pause 26:40 – The power of mid-life career confidence and testing time off 28:30 – Deep dive into accessibility engineering, inclusive UI design, and AI captioning 33:20 – Paying it forward: Cycling heroes, former trainees, and Swiss venture capital partners

🌟 Meet Sumer Strawbree, our YOUNGEST guest ever! This powerhouse entrepreneur, author, digital artist, and paid speaker is changing lives through the power of positive affirmations and self-love.   In this uplifting and inspiring episode of the HumanizeHer Podcast, Sumer Strawbree (along with a special appearance by her father and manager and our first male ally on the show - what better start than a father , who goes by Mastermind Statements). Sumer shares her journey from suffering severe low self-esteem as a bullied child to building a thriving brand centered around empowerment, self-love, and positive affirmations.   Sumer Strawbree launched her own publishing company and began her journey as an author and illustrator at just 12 years old. Now the creator of four affirmation coloring books and a national keynote speaker for girls' empowerment, Sumer has appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and ABC News Live. She has independently sold more than 10,000 copies of her books worldwide - featuring positive images that empower black and brown girls to feel confident and beautiful. She is also a digital artist, showcasing her work in galleries - and we have her work in our podcast studio! Behind the résumé is a girl who was once bullied for her teeth and her hands - who stopped smiling, until her father taught her to rebuild her confidence one affirmation at a time. Today, she hands other girls that same superpower.   Key Highlights:   Turning Trauma into Triumph: Sumer reveals the origin story behind her mission; after accidentally knocking out her front teeth on a basketball hoop at her dad's tech space, she developed a crooked tooth and became the target of intense school bullying and later cyberbullying. Power of Daily Affirmations: Encouraged by her father in fifth grade, Sumer adopted a daily routine of reciting positive affirmations ("I am black, brown, and beautiful," "I am a winner," "I am fearless") to reprogram her subconscious mind and rebuild her self-esteem. Empowering Books & Inclusivity: Sumer discusses authoring four successful coloring and affirmation books, including her hit debut Black, Brown, and Beautiful (translated into multiple languages) and My Career Glow Up, which showcases young girls in diverse fields like software engineering and athletics. Finding Representation in Art: As a self-taught digital artist, Sumer shares a poignant moment from her early days: realizing that online drawing tutorials only featured lighter-skinned girls with straight hair. Encouraged by her dad, she shifted her focus to creating artwork representing Black and brown girls, which has now been showcased in galleries. I Am Confident University & Community Work: Sumer breaks down her affirmation and vision board workshops designed to help people of all ages identify limiting beliefs, take actionable steps toward their goals, and find self-love. A Model for Fatherhood and Allyship: In a heartwarming segment, Sumer's father joins the couch as the podcast's first male ally. He shares his approach to intentional parenting, drawing a "strategic business plan" for his daughter's growth, and instilling entrepreneurial confidence in her from a young age.   "You don't really feel a negative way about yourself until someone says something...it's my job to keep moving forward and help others build their confidence, too." - Sumer Strawbree   This episode is a masterclass in resilience, youth leadership, and the power of positive parenting - offering deep value for parents, young entrepreneurs, and anyone working to overcome self-doubt. For the parents listening, Sumer's story is a powerful wake-up call. We'll dive into how her father recognized the silent signs of bullying and giving parents the tools to better understand what their own kids might be going through, and how to intervene.   Special Shoutouts in this Episode: Miss T Sarah Jakes Roberts Sumer's Father (Mastermind Statements), and her Pops/Grandfather ❣️   You can book Sumer as a speaker or purchase Sumer's books to support her mission here: https://sumerstrawbree.com/collections/coloring-books   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.   **** Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction of Sumer Strawbree, our youngest guest ever 01:41 — Sumer's origin story: bullying in 4th grade and losing her smile 05:24 — How Sumer's dad noticed she stopped showing her teeth and first recognized the bullying 08:02 — Warning signs for parents + how bullying gets normalized in school 10:28 — Cyberbullying in middle school: Snapchat rumors, jealousy over her books 13:16 — The power of positive affirmations - Sumer's daily formula for rebuilding self-confidence 13:21 — Black, Brown & Beautiful, Glow Up, My Career Glow Up, I'm An Olympian - 10,000+ girls inspired worldwide 17:54 — Sumer's digital art process (self-taught) - and why she didn't draw girls who looked like her at first 20:13 — I Am Confident University: affirmation & vision board workshops for all ages 20:35 — Sumer's vision board from age 7 - she manifested becoming an author AND just signed with a talent agency 26:18 — The emotional moment a woman at ComicCon showed Summer her scars - why this work matters 27:25 — Hosts share their own personal bullying stories 36:00 — Giving back: advisory boards, $500 grants, hospital book donations, anti-bullying support group launch 40:36 — The business side: paid speaking, Woman Evolve (Sarah Jakes Roberts), hosting workshops for 150+ girls 44:25 — Pay it forward: the dance teacher who changed everything - one message that sparked Sumer's career at 12 47:14 — Dad joins the show (first male ally on HumanizeHer!) - his philosophy on fatherhood from day one 49:44 — Dad's blueprint: how his own father's influence + a subconscious mindset shaped the way he raised Sumer 56:51 — The misstep dad admits to and his advice to parents to teach kids to recognize bullying before it happens 1:00:11 — Closing reflections on parenting, privilege, and setting kids up for life

In this powerful and candid episode of the HumanizeHer Podcast, we sit down with tech royalty Parisa Tabriz, VP and General Manager of Google Chrome, the browser billions of people use every single day. She's also known as Google's "Security Princess" - a title she gave herself on a business card almost twenty years ago that ended up sticking for life.   Parisa has been at Google for nineteen years - nearly her entire career.  She started out as a "hired hacker" on the security team, back when she wasn't even sure engineering was right for her. She got hacked in college, and turned that experience into a career protecting the entire web. Today she's leading Chrome through the AI era, championing accessibility as a core part of how products get built, and even consults with Hollywood helping writers and producers get the world of hacking and cybersecurity right on screen.   Key Highlights: Origin of the "Security Princess": Parisa shares the delightful, accidental branding story behind her famous title, which began as a quirky placeholder for a business card in Japan and evolved into an inspiring symbol for young girls proving you can be an engineer and a princess. From Hacked to Hired Hacker: She details her path into cybersecurity, sparked by a college web application she built being maliciously a college web app she built being hijacked and redirected to spam ads. This violation drove her to join a security club, leading to a 19-year career at Google touching Search, YouTube, Android, and ultimately leading Chrome. Navigating Corporate and Political Spotlights: Parisa opens up about the reality of high-stakes leadership, from managing engineering veterans with 20 years more experience than her to testifying before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the divestiture of Chrome. The AI Frontier & Hired Hacking: She discusses leading Project Zero (Google's offensive "hired hacker" team) and adapting to the modern AI arms race by integrating Gemini safely into Chrome. Accessibility and Human-Centric Tech: A passionate advocate for inclusive design, Parisa highlights how AI is being used to make the web accessible for underserved communities, such as generating automatic descriptions for images to aid visually impaired users. Breaking Societal Expectations: Parisa pays tribute to her mother (a nurse) and discusses her intentional choice not to have children. She offers a refreshing perspective on overcoming "imposter syndrome" and blocking out societal "shoulds" to live authentically for yourself.   "I want to be respected for making the hard decisions, and that's what I'm hired to do. It's about making sure you're living for yourself and not for the 'shoulds' - whether those come from parents, society, or friends." - Parisa Tabriz   This episode balances high-level tech strategy with deep personal wisdom, making it a must-listen for women in leadership, tech enthusiasts, and anyone navigating the pressure of cultural expectations.   Special Shoutouts in this Episode: Parisa's Mom, Dad, Brothers, & Husband ❣️   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.   **** Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Parisa: Google's Security Princess & VP/GM 01:28 – Origin Story: How she got into engineering 04:00 – Internships & landing at Google 07:12 – Imposter Syndrome & moving into management 10:02 – The "Security Princess" business card story 13:13 – Joining Chrome & building web security 16:37 – The evolving cybersecurity threat landscape 21:17 – The DOJ, testifying, & Chrome's divestiture threat 24:37 – Project Zero: Google's team of hired hackers 26:58 – AI, Gemini, & the future of Chrome 35:47 – Becoming a GM: Learning a new language 38:25 – Accessibility as a core priority 42:37 – The hardest leadership decisions are always about people 44:48 – Tech Layoffs: The human side 50:18 – Consulting for Hollywood: The science & entertainment exchange 55:25 – Pay It Forward: Shoutout to her Mom 57:24 – Living for Yourself: The no-kids conversation

In this episode of the HumanizeHer Podcast, we sit down with Mandy McClung, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, for her podcast debut. Balancing career wisdom with approachable personal insights, Mandy demystifies the massive world of wealth management and shares actionable ways to build long-term financial independence.   Financial independence is freedom and no one knows that better than Mandy McClung. With 15 years in financial services and 11 years at Morgan Stanley - one of the world's leading financial institutions, helping individuals, companies, and governments raise and manage the capital that shapes our economy - Mandy has been at the forefront of some of the most important conversations in wealth management today. From the rise of AI and its impact on how we invest, to protecting clients from fraud, to making sure women have a seat at the financial table. Last year she reached a milestone she had set her sights on a decade earlier: Managing Director. She's spent her career helping people take control of their financial futures, and today she's here to help you do the same.   What You Will Learn: Journey to Managing Director: Mandy reflects on her 18-year career in finance, tracking her journey from an unexpected college internship in marketing to a retail banking branch manager, and eventually climbing the ranks to a top executive leadership role at Morgan Stanley. Demystifying Wealth Management: Mandy breaks down the complexities of personal wealth, comparing a financial advisor to a "general practitioner" and her team of internal experts to "specialists" who deep-dive into estate planning, trusts, and insurance solutions. "Must-Haves" of Financial Planning: The conversation highlights the absolute necessity of starting early to save, utilizing company 401(k) matches, and securing vital estate documents (like wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives) to avoid future family friction. Why most people couldn't cover a $500 emergency and how to change that. Cybersecurity & Fraud Prevention: Drawing on insights from Morgan Stanley's cybersecurity head (and former NSA counterterrorism chief) Rachel Wilson, Mandy highlights the sophisticated tactics of modern scammers. She shares crucial tips on multi-factor authentication, avoiding public charging stations, and how to verify suspicious communications. AI's Impact on the Future of Banking: Discover how Morgan Stanley is partnering with OpenAI to launch internal tools like AIMS and Debrief - technologies designed to automate note-taking and back-office research so financial advisors can focus entirely on human connection.   "Women globally are going to be in control of 30% to 50% of the wealth in the next 10 to 20 years. It is so crucial for women to take ownership and get involved in the conversation." - Mandy McClung   Special Shoutouts in this Episode: Jefferies Rachel Wilson Mandy's Mother, Husband, Grandparents, Sister, and Niece ❣️   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.   **** Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome, Mandy's background in finance 01:11 – Her journey: from internship to Morgan Stanley 05:43 – What a Managing Director actually does 11:05 – Why every financial plan should be a living document 13:34 – Estate planning basics: wills, trusts, power of attorney 21:02 – The stat: women will control 30–50% of global wealth 22:27 – Fraud protection: scam calls, phishing, and real stories 31:51 – How AI is changing financial advising 44:55 – The $500 emergency stat — and why saving small amounts matters 46:18 – Becoming Managing Director: the story behind the title 50:34 – Final advice: start now, no matter how small

In this episode of the HumanizeHer Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Hema Raghavan, the CTO and Co-Founder of Kumo.ai and a true pioneer in the artificial intelligence space. As former LinkedIn colleagues, HumanizeHer host Erica Lockheimer and Hema take a trip down memory lane of their days together at LinkedIn.   Hema is an absolute powerhouse building at the absolute frontier of deep technical AI. Before launching her own startup, Hema spent years building core engineering systems at iconic companies like LinkedIn, leading the brilliant team behind the massive "People You May Know" engine. But despite operating at the highest levels of technology, Hema's real passion is humanizing AI. If you're feeling nervous about the pace of the AI revolution, she wants you to take a deep breath. Hema promises AI isn't scary - it's actually liberating. By letting AI automate the repetitive grunt work, it frees humans up to reclaim our time, find our true joy, and live more connected lives.   Key Takeaways from the Conversation: Democratization of Tech: How AI tools like Claude and Gemini are collapsing traditional skill boundaries, allowing Product Managers and Data Scientists to ship code directly and freeing engineers from tedious grunt work. Debunking the "Four Men in a Garage" Myth: Hema discusses intentionally building a counterculture at Kumo.ai that embraces flexibility, supports "lean-in dads", and treats personal life spikes with empathy. Reframing Risk and Career Growth: A candid conversation on navigating financial risk in startups and the power of radical honesty during the interview process. Heritage and Resilience: Hema shares beautiful personal stories about moving from Mumbai to the US, her parents' dedication to her education, and how a legendary tale of her grandmother taking a boat to Pakistan in 1925 puts modern risk into perspective.   Packed with technical insight, vulnerability, and actionable advice from our very own Erica Lockheimer - like "outsource everything but love" - this episode is an inspiring watch for anyone looking to understand the future of AI, parental scaling, and what it truly means to pay it forward to the next generation of women in tech.   Special Shoutouts in this Episode: Deepak Agarwal Igor Perisic Vanja Josifovski Jure Leskovec Rosie Jones Rukmini Iyer Hema's Husband & Her Parents ❣️   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Libby Leffler, the Co-Founder and CEO of First (affectionately dubbed the "TurboTax for prenups"). Libby spent two decades helping build the world's most powerful rocket ships - from Google and Facebook to SoFi and Compass. But at the height of her corporate career, with a newborn at home, she chose to step away and finally do the thing she was scared to do. Libby built an innovative legal-tech platform that cuts out months of stress and thousands in fees to make prenups simple, cozy, and collaborative. By taking the awkwardness out of money, she is proving that a clear agreement isn't a breaking point - it's a powerful joining point that strengthens the marriage bond. Because true transparency gives you the ultimate freedom to build your future together.   Key Takeaways From the Conversation "Personal Stack" Identity: Libby explains how First is transforming prenuptial agreements from a taboo relationship breaking point into a collaborative, cozy, and foundational joining point. She shares fascinating user trends - including the rise of the "pet-nup," protecting digital IP, and why 50% of their prenups are initiated by women. Reality of the Founder Journey: Stepping away from the "LinkedIn highlight reel," Libby pulls back the curtain on the raw financial and emotional sacrifices of leaving corporate safety to build a startup from scratch. "Balance is Bullshit": Rejecting the traditional myth of work-life balance, Libby advocates for alignment - unapologetically owning your ambition while structuring life around your core values. Grief, Resilience, and Metamorphosis: In a deeply moving segment, Libby opens up about the sudden, tragic loss of her father at 33 weeks pregnant while simultaneously fundraising. She discusses how the rhythm of her mission-driven work served as a grounding compass during a season of profound grief.   "Reinvention is possible at every stage and every part of the journey. Push yourself into uncomfortable situations because that is where you learn the fastest." - Libby Leffler

HumanizeHer x Shangri La "Visionary Voices" brings HumanizeHer's signature conversations to Shangri La, a Center of Cultures & Ideas and Museum of Islamic Art in Honolulu, Hawai'i, featuring three special episodes with visionary women leaders from Hawai'i.   In this episode, we are sitting down with one of the most powerful forces in venture capital building from the Pacific. Chenoa Farnsworth is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Blue Startups - consistently ranked as one of the Top 20 accelerators in the entire United States, built in Honolulu, Hawai'i. In her 25 years in venture, Chenoa has been the architect of the tech ecosystem in Hawaii. She has invested in over 150 companies, helped lead the Hawai'i Angels network, and founded East Meets West - the premier conference that has spent the last 12 years connecting technology leaders across the Pacific.   Working alongside Tetris CEO, Maya Rogers, Chenoa is proving that the islands are a world-class hub for tech. She believes Hawaiʻi is a strategic bridge between Asia and North America - and she is betting on women founders to deliver her the best returns. This conversation will change how you think about where innovation happens and who gets to lead it, from the vanguard of redefining Hawaii not just as a destination, but as a thriving global innovation hub.   Key Takeaways: "Bridge to Asia" Thesis: Discover how Hawai'i leverages its unique geographic and cultural proximity to act as a crucial link between Western and Asian tech markets, shifting the perspective on what makes the islands a competitive place to build a global business. Tech with a Heart: Chenoa is on a mission to redefine innovation and tech culture from the ground up. Moving away from typical "bro-tech" dynamics, Chenoa infuses her leadership with Hawaii's deeply rooted values of 'Ohana (family) and community. It's a refreshing look at how grounding a business in family-style collaboration can drive true, impactful innovation. Future of Tech in the AI Era: Hear Chenoa's insights on navigating the rapidly commoditized world of AI software and why human relationships, community trust, and a "whole-person" approach will become the ultimate differentiators for successful businesses moving forward. "Kamaʻāina Come Home" Initiative: Learn about the growing movement to draw Hawai'i's best and brightest talent back to the islands to build sustainable, high-paying tech jobs that diversify the economy without sacrificing the local environment.   Listen in to discover how Chenoa and her network are bringing the human back to the center of technology, all while proving that a small island community can punch far above its weight on the global stage.   Mahalo to VToku for their technical support and partnership with our production crew in bringing this series to life.   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

HumanizeHer x Shangri La "Visionary Voices" brings HumanizeHer's signature conversations to Shangri La, a Center of Cultures & Ideas and Museum of Islamic Art in Honolulu, Hawai'i, featuring three special episodes with visionary women leaders from Hawai'i.   In this episode of HumanizeHer, we sit down with Dawn Lippert - and this conversation might just change the way you see the planet. It started with a childhood instinct, charging her family a quarter for leaving the lights on. Two Yale degrees later, that instinct is a global mission. Today, Dawn leads as the CEO of Elemental Impact, her non-profit platform that has deployed over $105 million into climate innovation, while also leading Earthshot Ventures, a $94 million private fund.   Together, these two engines have unlocked more than $11 billion in additional funding for global solutions. To date, her portfolio has created 17,200 jobs and avoided 20 million metric tons of CO2. We caught up with her in Hawai'i - her home and the testing ground for everything she believes about clean energy, community, and the relentless belief that we can build a better world.   Key Highlights Include: Power of Entrepreneurship: How the non-profit, Elemental Impact, has invested in over 160 companies to bridge the "capital gap" for risky but essential climate solutions. The AI x Climate Paradox: A deep dive into how AI is simultaneously increasing energy demand and providing the "three-fold" acceleration needed to solve complex problems in energy, materials, and infrastructure. A "Circular" Future: Insights into groundbreaking startups like Super Circle (fashion recycling) and Nth Cycle (domestic mineral recycling) that are making sustainability profitable. Action as the Antidote: Addressing "climate anxiety" by empowering individuals to leverage their pocketbooks, their votes, and their careers to build a lasting world.   Dawn also discusses the launch of Earthshot Ventures, her sister venture fund, and her mission to prove that underrepresented founders are the competitive advantage the climate tech industry needs. It is an inspiring look at how ingenuity and community are coming together to "bring down the carbon curve."   Mahalo to VToku for their technical support and partnership with our production crew in bringing this series to life.   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

For the first time, we crossed the ocean and brought HumanizeHer to Hawaiʻi, gear in tow, women to meet, and a community to build. HumanizeHer x Shangri La brought HumanizeHer's signature podcast conversations to Shangri La, a Center of Cultures & Ideas and Museum of Islamic Art in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, for our Visionary Voices event, celebrating culture and building community during Women's History Month in March 2026.   What you're about to experience is a live panel held on the breathtaking grounds of Shangri La, opened by Leilani Farinas, Director of Content & Engagement, and brought to life through a powerful partnership with HumanizeHer. Together, we hosted a live outdoor gathering that brought women together across sectors; because community doesn't just live online; it lives in the spaces we create together.   Erica Lockheimer, founder of HumanizeHer, moderates a conversation with three visionary voices of Hawaiʻi, exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, and impact across business, technology, environment, and culture - amplifying women's stories and perspectives shaping Hawaiʻi's future.   Featuring three special visionary women leaders from Hawai'i: Chenoa Farnsworth | Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Blue Startups Dawn Lippert | Founder & CEO, Elemental Impact & GP, Earthshot Ventures Meli James | Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Mana Up Check out photos from the event and past events and join our community here.

HumanizeHer x Shangri La "Visionary Voices" brings HumanizeHer's signature conversations to Shangri La, a Center of Cultures & Ideas and Museum of Islamic Art in Honolulu, Hawai'i, featuring three special episodes with visionary women leaders from Hawai'i.   In this episode of HumanizeHer, we sit down with Meli James - born and raised in Hawai'i, she left for Cornell University and caught the entrepreneurship bug in Silicon Valley during the early era of iPhone apps where she co-founded Nirvino, the number one wine app on iTunes - and then came back home to Hawai'i and changed everything. As Co-Founder and General Partner of Mana Up, she has helped over 100 Hawai'i-based brands - like Kō Hana Rum, the first class beverage on Hawaiian Airlines. She has scaled to global markets, generating over 113 million dollars in revenue and creating hundreds of jobs right on the islands. Her mission: keep the talent, the opportunity, and the economic power in Hawai'i - where it belongs.   Episode Highlights: Silicon Valley Blueprint: Meli shares her "quarter-life crisis" at 25 and how life coaching led her to launch Nirvino, a mobile wine app that dominated the iTunes platform for five years following the launch of the iPhone. Birth of Mana Up: Driven by the desire to ensure local entrepreneurs don't have to leave Hawai'i to find success, Meli discusses the founding of Mana Up. She addresses the skepticism she faced when pivoting from tech to product-based companies and her goal of creating 100 Hawai'i-headquartered companies generating over 113 million dollars in revenue. Scaling the "Hawai'i Brand": The conversation delves into why Hawai'i is one of the world's most aspirational and trusted brands. Meli explains how Mana Up helps local makers navigate the "not-so-sexy" side of business - HR, governance, and global scaling - to get products like Kō Hana Rum and LexBreezy onto the global stage. De-Risking Investments: Meli introduces Mana Up Capital, a venture fund that invests in accelerator graduates. She explains how their retail initiatives, including the House of Mana Up stores, allow them to de-risk investments by observing real-time consumer data before funding.   This episode is a masterclass in "ownership mentality," illustrating how authentic storytelling, mentorship, and regional pride can turn local products into global powerhouses while keeping jobs and wealth within the community.   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

We are kicking off a new series called IRL (In Real Life) HumanizeHer. This series gives you a behind-the-scenes, unpolished view of conferences, gatherings, and our on-the-ground action. We are showing the raw effort, the amazing connections, and the technical brilliance that goes into building this movement. We recently held our Annual HumanizeHer Event — a celebration of one year of commitment, incredible growth, and the most dedicated team in media. This movement has deep roots: it was forged by a team unified by a strong belief in the mission and years of shared professional experience. A year ago, we launched with just an idea. Here is what we built together: Nearly 50 podcast episodes recorded. Millions of views across our content and counting. We took over the podcast lounge at South by Southwest, hosting 3 live recordings. We hosted multiple community events, bringing the network to life. I started this because building an inclusive environment was not enough — we needed to raise the voices of women and make it loud. This movement is a testament to that idea, driven by our all-women badass team: Erica Lockheimer - CEO & Founder of HumanizeHer  Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser, Co-Founder and COO Becky Davis, Director of Photography, Creative Producer & Editor Ash Blodgett, Director & Creative Producer Kristen Basile West, Director of Brand & Design Jazmine Orozco Lugo, Program Manager. Suzanne Ewing-Ervin, Advisor and Head of Community Events. Valerie Sassani, Advisor on Marketing and Strategy. Telle Whitney, Advisor on Women-Focused Impact. This is not just a podcast — it is a movement built to help one another excel better, learn better, and love better. A huge thank you to our incredible team, advisors, and founding sponsors like BitGo. You can only go big when you have a phenomenal team that trusts each other and delivers.

In this episode, we welcome the legendary Pat Wadors - current Chief Human Resources Officer at Intuitive and former HR visionary at LinkedIn, ServiceNow, and Yahoo. Known for her transformative leadership and for coining the concept of DIBs (Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging), Pat dives deep into her journey of "stumbling" into HR and eventually becoming one of the most influential voices in the field.   Episode Highlights: Overcoming Labels: Pat shares her personal story of being diagnosed with dyslexia at age 19, reframing a perceived disability into a "superpower" for pattern recognition and creative problem-solving. Goldilocks Framework: Pat introduces her signature decision-making tool - the "Goldilocks Framework" - designed to help professionals find their "just right" fit by mapping values, motivators, and superpowers. Leading with Humanity: From the "Mary Poppins" philosophy of going where you are needed to the importance of "slowing your roll" through breathwork, Pat provides actionable advice on managing with grace, even in difficult times like layoffs. The Power of Storytelling: Drawing from her book, "Unlock Your Leadership Story", Pat uses folk tales like "The Elephant and The Blind Men" to illustrate the necessity of curiosity and seeing the full ecosystem of a problem.   This episode is a masterclass for anyone looking to lead with authenticity, navigate career pivots, and build high-performing, healthy organizations. Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

In this insightful episode, Karen Catlin, former VP of Engineering at Adobe with over three decades in the tech industry, shares her evolution from a "declared computer science major who had never touched a computer" to now leadership coach and one of the most influential voices in workplace inclusion as an acclaimed author of the Better Allies book series.   Highlights of the Conversation: "Golden Age" of Women in Tech: Karen reflects on graduating in 1985 - a peak era for gender diversity in the field, where 37.5% of computer science degrees in the U.S. went to women (compared to significantly lower percentages in the decades that followed). Birth of an Anonymous Movement: Discover the fascinating origin story of the @BetterAllies Twitter handle. Karen reveals why she spent five years posing as an anonymous man to share inclusion tips, believing the message of allyship would carry more weight if it appeared to come from a male voice. 50 Shades of Privilege: Karen discusses her research-backed "50 Ways You Might Have Privilege in the Workplace," a tool designed to help professionals recognize their inherent advantages - ranging from financial stability and elite education to the absence of caregiving responsibilities. 7 Archetypes of an Ally: Listeners are introduced to Karen's framework for action: the Sponsor, Champion, Amplifier, Advocate, Scholar, Confidant, and the most challenging role - the Upstander. "Archery" Analogy: Addressing the corporate pullback on DEI initiatives, Karen offers a powerful perspective; equity movements are currently like an arrow being pulled back on a bow - a necessary tension before it can fly forward with even greater force. Practical Tools for Inclusion: From "idea hijacking" in meetings to negotiating public speaking fees, Karen provides actionable advice for anyone looking to build a more meritocratic and inclusive workplace.   Karen wraps up the episode by "paying it forward" with a curated list of must-read books on anti-ableism, LGBTQ+ allyship, and dismantling white dominant culture - reminding us that being a "better ally" is a modern leadership skill essential for every professional.   Better Allies by Karen Catlin White Supremacy is All Around by Akilah Cadet The Anti-Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu The Savvy Ally by Jeannie Gainsburg The Wake Up by Michelle Mijung Kim   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

Margaret Abe-Koga (Santa Clara County Supervisor) joins the HumanizeHer Podcast to pull back the curtain on a life dedicated to public service, representation, and resilience.   In this episode, Margaret shares the raw and inspiring narrative of an immigrant daughter who became the voice for those who feel voiceless. From an "anchor baby" born at Stanford Hospital to a seasoned policymaker managing a $13.5 billion budget, she discusses the grit required to navigate a career in politics as a self-described "stubborn introvert" and the personal sacrifices made behind the scenes.   Key themes in this episode: Immigrant Experience: Margaret reflects on growing up as the translator for her Japanese-speaking parents and how witnessing her father being taken advantage of due to language barriers sparked a lifelong passion for ensuring everyone has a voice in government. "Political Mom": Discover how a chance encounter with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo during a high school "Youth in Government Day" set Margaret on a path to Harvard and eventually into the halls of local and regional power. Beating the Stigma of Illness: Margaret reveals the grueling journey of battling Stage 2 breast cancer while preparing for a political comeback. She discusses the excruciating process of "cold capping" to hide her hair loss, fearing that the public would judge a woman as "unfit for office" if she appeared sick. "Sandwich Generation" Struggle: A candid discussion on the reality of being a "caregiver-in-chief" - managing aging parents at home while simultaneously supporting family through mental health challenges and serving as Mayor during a global pandemic. What a Supervisor Actually Does: Margaret demystifies the role of the County Supervisor, explaining the $13.5B "social safety net" that manages everything from public hospitals to child protective services. Fighting for the Vulnerable: Margaret details Santa Clara County's bold stance against Federal immigration policies, including joining lawsuits to protect civil rights and resisting cuts to essential food and health programs. Redefining Leadership: Through a heartwarming story about a little boy mistaking her "Wonder Woman" costume for the Mayor, Margaret illustrates that leadership doesn't have a single mold and that quiet persistence is often the most effective tool in a policymaker's arsenal.   Margaret concludes with a powerful call to action for women to find their passion and run for office: "We need more voices…we have a different way of doing things, and frankly, I think we are better at getting things done."

In this episode, we get to celebrate a massive milestone with Jody Mettler, the Chief Operating Officer of BitGo and their President of the Trust Company.   As BitGo rings the bell on its recent IPO, Jody shares her journey from a 20-year career at Citi to leading the "backbone" of the digital asset industry. This episode serves as both a high-level masterclass in crypto infrastructure and a personal story of how traditional banking expertise is shaping the future of decentralized finance.   Inside the Episode: Ultimate Career Pivot: Jody reflects on her transition from corporate accounting and digital transformation at Citi to the world of crypto. She shares the story of how a LinkedIn message led her to become the COO of one of the most respected tech companies in the crypto space. Bitcoin 101: Jody breaks down the digital asset world for beginners, explaining the difference between Bitcoin ("Digital Gold"), speculative alt-coins, and stablecoins (1:1 backed by fiat). "Backbone" of Crypto: Learn about BitGo's role as the institutional infrastructure that powers many of the exchanges we use today. Jody explains the "multisig" security and physical vaults that protect billions of dollars in assets. Reality of Going Public: Jody recounts the adrenaline-filled experience of BitGo's IPO - a first for her - and the rigor required to move a digital asset company into the traditional public market. Pioneering Regulation: A look at BitGo's achievement of a federal OCC Charter and how the company navigates global regulations in Germany, Dubai, Singapore (and more!) to meet clients where they are. Power of Sponsorship: Erica shares a full-circle moment with BitGo CEO Mike Belshe, who was her boss in her 20s. Discover how his early support of Erica's career led BitGo to become the inaugural sponsor of the HumanizeHer Podcast. Jody concludes with a heartfelt "pay-it-forward" to Karen Young, the mentor who changed her life, reminding us that even in high-tech finance, relationships and trust are the true currency.   Listen in and join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

In this episode of the HumanizeHer Podcast, we sit down with Mauria Finley - a powerhouse entrepreneur, Stanford lecturer, and current Vice President at Google.   Mauria shares a deeply personal and strategic look at a career that has oscillated between massive corporate scale and the high-stakes "grit and resilience" of the startup world. From building product spreadsheets in her living room to leading global teams, Mauria offers a masterclass in living a life driven by purpose, joy, and connection.   Key themes in this episode include: The Entrepreneurial Leap: Mauria discusses founding Citrus Lane (acquired by Care.com) at age 35 while raising a toddler and an infant, debunking the myth that you have to start young to succeed. Pitching with Conviction: A candid look at the venture capital world. Mauria shares the hard lessons she learned raising Series A funding, including the "Tony Fadell" moment that forced her to fix her intro and why women must pitch the "big idea" rather than a "risk-adjusted plan." The "Beautiful Failure": Mauria reflects on her second startup - a fashion styling business for professional women - which was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the heavy burden of leading through layoffs and how this "failure" led her to a fulfilling new chapter at Google. Teaching the "Soft Skills" of Engineering: For nearly a decade, Mauria has co-taught a popular class at Stanford's Computer Science school. She reveals what elite students actually want to know: not how to code, but how to negotiate, grow in a job, and navigate the workplace. Perspective through Health Challenges: Mauria shares the jarring story of being diagnosed with breast cancer on the same day she received a text from Erica Lockheimer about a skin cancer diagnosis. She discusses how facing mortality shifted her focus from professional ego to a philosophy centered on joy and health. The Power of Reconnection: After 20 years of distance, Mauria and Erica reconnected, proving that professional relationships can be "reactivated" into deep, vulnerable friendships that provide essential support in midlife.   Mauria concludes with a powerful reminder to women: "God only gave you one body - don't be so busy taking care of everyone else that you forget to take care of yourself."   Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.  

From pioneering one of the world's most used digital platforms to taking her first-ever career break, Deb Liu (Former CEO of Ancestry and Former Product Exec at Facebook, PayPal, eBay) joins the HumanizeHer Podcast for a deeply vulnerable and strategic conversation about power, transitions, and the one thing that matters more than a resume: your health.   In this episode, Deb shares the mental frameworks that helped her rise through the "PayPal Mafia," navigate life as the only mother in the Facebook product room, and lead a 40-year-old storied company like Ancestry through its next chapter.   Inside the Episode: The "Other" in South Carolina: Deb reflects on her upbringing as the daughter of immigrants in a town where few looked like her, and how that sense of being a "foreigner" shaped her drive to find belonging in tech. The 7-Year Pitch for Facebook Marketplace: Deb recounts the persistence required to build Facebook Marketplace—an idea she pitched for years before it was finally greenlit, turning a "mom-group" observation into a global commerce powerhouse. The U-Shape Analogy: A masterclass in career growth. Deb explains why high-impact roles often lead to low learning, and why "hitting the reset button" to enter a new space is essential to avoid stagnation. The "Blank Name Tag Club": After working continuously since 2002, Deb discusses the identity crisis that comes with stepping away from a C-suite title and why she is spending her first-ever year off exploring who she is without a corporate role. A Life-Saving Birthday Request: Deb shares the jarring story of her recent breast cancer diagnosis, caught only because a friend insisted she get a mammogram for her birthday. Deb provides a stark look at the statistics: 13% of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and while catching it early leads to a 90% survival rate, waiting even one year can change the prognosis exponentially. Strategic Leadership: Learn about Deb's "30-60-90 Day Plan" and her "Magic Wand Dinners" - practical tools for building trust and synthesizing culture when entering a new organization as a leader.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the "messy middle" of a career while balancing the weights of the sandwich generation. Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

From the elite lecture halls of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT, Delhi) to the driver's seat of an Uber delivery run, Aarathi Vidyasagar (VP of Engineering and Science at Uber) defines what it means to lead with both technical craft and deep empathy.   In this episode of the HumanizeHer Podcast, Aarathi joins former colleagues Erica Lockheimer and Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser to share a career journey that is as much about "grit and spunk" as it is about high-level strategy. Inside the Episode:   IIT Trailblazer: Aarathi reflects on being 1 of only 11 women in a class of 500 at the Indian Institutes of Technology, navigating a male-dominated world from age 17 and learning to "blend in" before finding her true voice. 17-Year Legacy at SAP Ariba: Discover how Aarathi rose from an entry-level engineer to VP, her pivotal role in Ariba's migration to the cloud, and the moment she realized that "staying quiet" about her ambitions was leading others to make assumptions about her career path. Bridging Enterprise and Consumer at LinkedIn: Aarathi shares her "outside-in" transition to LinkedIn, where she broke unit tests in her first week to earn her "engineering cred" and spearheaded the massive "NRJ" (New Recruiter Jobs) transformation. VP by Day, Delivery Driver by Night: To truly understand the "supply side" of Uber, Aarathi signed up as a delivery driver during her interview process. She recounts the hilarious and eye-opening experience of delivering food to a gated community in the dark to stress-test the app she now leads. Product Innovation for Safety: A deep dive into Uber's "Women's Preferences" feature, discussing the technical and ethical complexities of matching female riders with female drivers to provide choice and safety. The Next Generation: Inspired by her mother—a "rocket scientist" in India—Aarathi discusses her commitment to mentorship, her role as executive sponsor for Women in Tech, and her advice for young women facing imposter syndrome.   This episode is a masterclass for any leader looking to balance technical rigor with a human-centric approach to building products.  Jump into the full episode and join the conversation.

Join us for a fantastic and nostalgic conversation with Tanya Staples and Vida Forrest y Salazar, the co-owners and managing partners of Ace Camps Travel! This duo, who first met working together at Lynda.com and navigated the acquisition by LinkedIn, share their incredible journey from corporate executives to entrepreneurs redefining success on their own terms.   Their LinkedIn Backstory: Tanya details her start as a technical writer in the mid-'90s, transitioning to product management, and eventually becoming a key leader at Lynda.com who helped pioneer the revolutionary concept of video subscription learning. Vida shares how she transitioned her decade-long passion for higher education into a powerful role at LinkedIn, eventually becoming a full-time lead on the external Equity and Opportunity team, focusing on how the platform could drive social change for marginalized groups. Their partnership, forged in the intense environment of the 2015 LinkedIn acquisition, built the deep trust and resilience needed for their next act.   The Pivot to Adventure: The episode is a masterclass in finding fulfillment, covering: The Power of the Me Treat: Vida recounts the pivotal moment on a solo ACE Camp trip in Laos where the creative energy and community inspired her to find her new mission. The Second Founder Advantage: Tanya discusses semi-retiring from LinkedIn after leading Trust & Safety to defrost, and the unique appeal of taking an established, purpose-driven business (ACE Camps) to its next level. The ACE Camps Impact: Discover the organization's ethos, which stands for Adventure, Culture, and Education, focusing on small-group, immersive travel that fosters deep community and creativity, often acting as a catalyst for women to start new businesses.   This is an inspiring look at how strong relationships, vulnerability, and a shared passion for culture can lead to a meaningful, fulfilling second act in life.   Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser  

Join us for the inspiring and deeply personal story of Xitlali Curincita, a first-generation college graduate, current UC Irvine graduate student, and former 2022 Youth of the Year award winner from the Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula. Raised in North Fair Oaks, she shares what it felt like growing up between cultures and often navigating spaces where she didn't fully feel she belonged.   From first grade, the Boys & Girls Club and the Redwood City Public Library became her second homes. Through Project Read, she learned to read, write, and learned how to smile and feel loved in spaces where she once felt guarded and alone. She talks openly about growing up with caregivers, missing her mom while she worked, and slowly understanding that "mom means sacrifice," especially as she learned more about her parents' journey coming to the United States to build a better life for their family.   In high school, Future Grads and College Track helped her navigate culture shock, questions of identity as a Mexican American, and imposter syndrome. With their support, she took her first community college class. Eventually earning enough credits to enter UC Irvine as a junior, serve as student government president at Cañada College, and graduate debt-free with a degree in social policy and a minor in education.   This episode highlights the transformative power of youth programs, which provide crucial academic support and a safe community for our youth via after school programs and college preparation guidance.    Xitlali reflects on writing her Youth of the Year speech as a love letter to Redwood City, advocating and mentoring the next generation of Youth of the Year candidates, and honoring the women who lifted her. This conversation is a powerful look at turning pain into purpose, finding home between cultures, and using education to open doors for everyone coming after you.    Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

Join us for a candid conversation with Anu Muralidharan, COO of Expensify, as she shares the deeply personal story of the intense drive and competitive pressure she inherited from her late mother, who taught her that "being second was unacceptable." Anu opens up about how this drive led to debilitating stress and "scarcity thinking," culminating in a rock-bottom moment where she risked it all with the "Seinfeld experiment," quitting her role for an unstructured position at Expensify.   Expensify is the financial software company behind the payments and expense management platform that automatically handles billions of dollars in reimbursements and business expenses.   With a rigorous technical foundation—an engineering degree from the elite BITS Pilani and an MBA from Cornell University—Anu had the credentials, but she was vulnerable with us and shared that she felt stressed and completely unmotivated at the midpoint in her career.  Anu details how working with a career coach helped her navigate this pressure and find her "true north" by shifting her focus from obsessing about the end result to the quality of the input. This new approach paved the way for her to build Expensify's ops and payments infrastructure, lead the company's IPO, and now direct go-to-market strategy while leveraging AI to drive data-led growth.   🎧 Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

In this insightful conversation with Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President of San José State University (SJSU), shares her journey from being a first-generation college student and CFO to leading the oldest public university on the West Coast.   She explains how SJSU, often called "Silicon Valley's Public University," is now at the forefront of the AI revolution. Learn about the groundbreaking partnerships with tech giants like Nvidia and Adobe that provide students with essential AI learning labs and digital literacy tools, ensuring every graduate is prepared not just for current generative AI tools, but for the "convergence of technologies" like AI and human-robotic connections, ensuring graduates have the skills needed in the next 5, 10, and 15 years.   SJSU was founded in 1857 as the California State Normal School. This makes it the oldest public higher education institution on the West Coast and the founding campus of the entire California State University (CSU) system. In this sense, it was an "original" endeavor—a first in the region for public education.   Anchor of Silicon Valley: Located in the heart of downtown San José, SJSU is the public university physically embedded in the capital of global innovation. The "startup" metaphor connects the university's historical capacity for adaptation and innovation (constantly evolving its programs since 1857) with the relentless, disruptive, and entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley today.    This episode highlights SJSU's success as a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and AANAPISI, serving a profoundly diverse student body. Cynthia reveals the strategic shift to a pipeline-to-a-job model that has resulted in SJSU being ranked the #4 Public University in the Nation by The Wall Street Journal. This is a masterclass in leadership, strategic organizational transformation, and driving equitable change for the next generation of technical leaders.   Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser for a dose of inspiration.

Join us for a deeply informative conversation with Joanna Strober, Founder and CEO of Midi Health, the pioneering telehealth platform transforming women's midlife health.   Joanna clarifies the hormonal chaos of perimenopause (which often starts in your 30s) and the shocking truth behind the decades of fear surrounding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). She reveals data showing estrogen alone may actually reduce breast cancer risk and improve bone/brain health.   We dive into how Midi Health delivers rapid, personalized care from expert Nurse Practitioners, often covered by insurance. Joanna details their focus on comprehensive women's health (sleep, anxiety, weight, and sexual health) and their groundbreaking at-home blood test for truly proactive, personalized medicine. Hear her story of leveraging multiple career pivots to found her "fourth baby" and close a crucial gap in healthcare.

Join us for a lively conversation with Cherie Brooke Luo and Jean Luo, the Tiger Sisters! This dynamic sister duo, both successful tech product managers from LinkedIn and Snapchat, made a radical pivot to earn their MBAs from Harvard Business School and Stanford GSB to then become full-time content creators and entrepreneurs.   They pull back the curtain on how they built their brand and business in just over a year, achieving phenomenal success by hitting #1 Business Podcast and Top 3 U.S. Podcasts overall on Spotify! This episode is a masterclass in modern entrepreneurship and personal reinvention, featuring insights on:   🔀 The Power of the Pivot: How they moved from a reality TV show concept to launching their podcast and a physical product, Sisters Matcha. 📸 Startup Mentality in Media: Applying their product management skills (hypothesis testing, fast iteration, and ruthless optimization) to grow their content rapidly. 👩‍💼 The Flow State of Entrepreneurship: The satisfying reality of moving faster and seeing direct impact compared to the corporate world. 💰 Building Community and Commerce: How they created a highly engaged, supportive audience that helped them launch their sold-out matcha brand. 👯‍♀️ Sister Dynamics in Business: The hilarious and honest reality of living and working together—from figuring out who's better at editing to switching from messy text threads to organized Slack channels.   The Tiger Sisters' story proves that being intentional, adaptable, and focused on genuine value is the ultimate growth strategy. Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser for a dose of inspiration.

💡 "I play in the spaces where tech, storytelling, and entertainment intersect." Author–filmmaker Abigail Hing Wen joins us to talk about her newest universe, The Vale—a novel with a short-film prequel and a companion Roblox experience about a boy navigating an AI-driven virtual fantasy world. We dig into how she builds story worlds with real AI literacy behind them, drawing on years as an AI tech exec and as the Director & former host of Intel's AI Podcast, plus her work on fairness, transparency & accountability in AI policy. Abigail also opens up about the decade before her "yes," the four "buried" novels that taught her craft, and how that persistence led to the breakout book-to-film journey from Loveboat, Taipei to the Netflix movie Love in Taipei.  Website:  In this episode 🎭 The making of The Vale — novel → short film → Roblox world 🤖 Using AI thoughtfully in creative work — what helps, what harms, and what's hype  🧗‍♀️ Law → tech → author/director — embracing the "jungle gym" career 🎬 Book-to-film realities — what authors actually control ⭐ How fans truly help — preorders + ratings (Amazon/Goodreads/IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes) The Vale is in the home stretch and every order around the country before September 20 is critical! Please support your local booksellers and spread word! NOTES: sales transactions must CLOSE to count. Indie Bookstores: (preferred) Bookshop.org (preferred) Barnes and Noble  Amazon CTA: ✨ If this conversation resonates, preorder The Vale, watch Love in Taipei on Netflix, and drop a quick rating/review—those signals make a huge difference. 🙏 Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

Kirthiga Reddy, a trailblazing leader and first female Investment Partner at SoftBank Vision Fund, shares her incredible journey from growing up in India to becoming an influential figure in tech. She details her time as a Director of Engineering at Silicon Graphics and the first employee to launch and lead Facebook (now Meta) in India. This episode is packed with invaluable insights, including: The Power of the "And": How she embraced the "superpower" of having a career and a family, even when societal pressures suggested it was an "either/or" choice The Career Jungle Gym: Why she chose a 40% pay cut to pivot her career and how her impressive (linear-looking) resume actually hides a series of strategic, non-linear moves Guilt Management: Her powerful philosophy on not "overthinking" every decision and learning to manage guilt as effectively as time The "Trust Technology": A deep dive into her new venture, Verix - a company building a verification layer for digital credentials using blockchain, and the pivotal learning that led her to that mission AI Kiran: The story behind her new initiative to spotlight and grow the community of women in AI in India. Kirthiga's story is a testament to the power of a growth mindset, the importance of mentorship, and the courage to take a break and find clarity. Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

Join us on The HumanizeHer Podcast for a powerful and candid conversation with Nidhi Gupta, a trailblazing leader with a chemical engineering background who rose to become a Chief Technology & Product Officer - then ventured out to create her own business and become a Co-Founder and CEO!  Nidhi shares her incredible journey from growing up in India, where she was one of just a few women in her engineering class, to navigating pervasive biases and microaggressions in the tech industry. She reveals how these experiences fueled her passion to create SheTO.org, a non-profit dedicated to accelerating women's leadership in engineering.   This episode is packed with unfiltered insights on: Overcoming adversity:  How early experiences of bias shaped her resilience and grit The emotional side of impact:  Why she prioritizes supporting one life over just chasing big numbers The unexpected challenges of funding a non-profit:  Debunking myths about corporate and investor support for mission-driven organizations Building a thriving community:  How SheTO's programs achieve remarkable promotion rates for women in tech A White House invitation:  The surreal moment she realized her work is being recognized at the highest level.   Nidhi's story is a raw and inspiring testament to creating change, fostering community, and finding soulful fulfillment beyond traditional corporate success.  Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

In this episode of The HumanizeHer Podcast we sit down for an insightful conversation with Catherine Fisher, LinkedIn's esteemed Career Expert! Catherine shares her journey in communications, from Netflix to LinkedIn, revealing how she became a go-to voice for career navigation.   This episode dives into crucial topics like the evolving job market, the impact of AI on careers, challenging traditional growth paths (the "squiggly line"), and the art of asking for what you want. Tune in for candid advice on handling workplace setbacks, the power of delegation, and building a resilient network.   Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.   ** NOTE **  An audio mishap impacted this episode's sound quality, but we worked with Swell Sound to repair it so you don't miss a moment of the great conversation!

Join us on The HumanizeHer Podcast for an incredibly candid conversation with Sabrina Ellis, a powerhouse product leader as VP at companies like Google and Yahoo, and former Chief Product Officer at Pinterest!   Sabrina shares her remarkable career journey, revealing the highs and lows of navigating top executive roles in the tech industry. From the early days of the dot-com boom and making Yahoo Mail #1 globally, to steering product at Google and Pinterest, she offers an unfiltered look at what it takes to innovate and lead.   This episode is packed with invaluable insights, including:   💡 The power of career breaks: Sabrina openly discusses her intentional "off-ramps" and the confidence (and spousal support!) it took to step away, emphasizing how these breaks fueled her growth. 💡 Defining the Chief Product Officer role: What it means to "herd genius, feral cats" and empower diverse teams to build impactful products. 💡 Navigating adversity in the C-suite: Sabrina shares deeply personal experiences, from a toxic "Coliseum" culture to facing assumptions as an Asian female executive. 💡 "Sabrina's Rule of Three": Her fascinating observation on how minorities are perceived in professional settings and the importance of critical mass for true individuality. 💡 The future of work: A thought-provoking discussion on challenging capitalism's limits and envisioning tech companies that prioritize employees over profit maximization.   Sabrina's transparency about self-doubt, identity crises after leaving big brands, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery offers a refreshing perspective. Get ready to be inspired to embrace your own path, challenges and all!   Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

In this empowering episode of the HumanizeHer Podcast, we welcome Leela Srinivasan, CEO of Parity, for a compelling conversation that spans her dynamic career journey and her impactful work in women's sports. Leela, who transitioned from a successful CMO background at companies like LinkedIn and SurveyMonkey to leading Parity, shares authentic insights into career pivots, the value of an MBA, and navigating the challenges of leadership, including the elusive "work-life balance" as a new mother.   The discussion takes a deep dive into the mission of Parity, an organization dedicated to closing the gender income and opportunity gap in professional sports. Leela reveals striking statistics:   50% of professional women athletes make zero income from their sport after accounting for training and competition costs. 74% of these athletes hold a second job, with 1 in 4 working full-time while training 30 hours a week. Women's sports currently receives only 15% of media share. 63% of female athletes surveyed have considered quitting elite sports due to financial struggles. 93% of surveyed athletes experience financial stress. An annual sponsorship of $20,000 would be "very meaningful" or "life-changing" for 88% of female athletes. Women's sports fans are 2.8 times more likely to purchase a product or service recommended by a professional woman athlete than by any other influencer.   Leela emphasizes that this is not a charity, but a lucrative business opportunity for brands to align with purpose-driven athletes. She highlights how brands like Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, and Hormel are already investing in Parity's community of over 1,100 professional women athletes across 85 sports, finding authentic partnerships based on shared values rather than just follower counts. The episode also touches upon the historic 2024 Paris Olympics, which for the first time achieved gender equality in participants.    Through raw honesty about her own experiences with imposter syndrome and the importance of seeking feedback and coaching, Leela inspires listeners to embrace challenges and continuously learn, leaving an indelible mark on both the professional landscape and the world of women's sports.   Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host, Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

What if success didn't mean choosing one path, but embracing many? In this episode of The HumanizeHer Podcast, We sat down with the incomparable Jory Des Jardins —co-founder of BlogHer and, more recently, the co-founder of Optionality, a platform dedicated to reimagining how we work, lead, and live. Jory takes us on a deeply personal and professional journey through her unconventional career—from couch-surfing in New York while reading manuscripts at Penguin, to co-founding BlogHer and growing it into a movement that reached over 100 million users, to today—championing the rise of fractional roles, community-powered leadership, and portfolio careers. Together, we explore the power of optionality: a framework where work is no longer a one-size-fits-all ladder, but a flexible, multi-dimensional life design. Jory shares how optionality allows people—especially women—to balance meaningful work, caregiving, creative pursuits, and self-defined success, even when traditional systems aren't designed to support it. This episode isn't just about careers—it's about courage. It's about listening to your gut, staying curious, and being unafraid to start again. Whether it's pioneering the blogosphere, navigating burnout after acquisition, or diving headfirst into emerging tech and VR, Jory's path is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and radical authenticity. We also talk candidly about caregiving, aging parents, raising teens, and the internal conflict so many women face when they feel pulled between achievement and presence. Jory's honesty and humor remind us that no career path is linear—and that building a "portfolio life" might just be the most honest reflection of who we are and who we're becoming. ✨ Whether you're in a moment of reinvention, questioning the 9–5, or dreaming of more freedom and purpose in your work—this episode will speak to you. Key themes we unpack: Why "fractional leadership" is rising—and what it really means The difference between advisory vs. fractional roles How BlogHer created a trusted model for women creators—and what it taught us about power and representation How caregiving, life phases, and flexibility intersect with ambition The future of work—and how we can build it on our own terms This conversation is both a mirror and a permission slip. If you're craving more flexibility, more agency, or simply a new way to define success—this is the episode for you. Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser

In this insightful episode of The HumanizeHer Podcast, Florina Grosskurth and Vicky Fang delve into their remarkable career journeys, sharing personal stories of navigating the tech industry, embracing entrepreneurship, and finding true fulfillment via the world of literature. Florina Grosskurth, a force in tech from program management to event planning, shares her inspiring transition to owning Linden Tree Books, a beloved local bookstore. She discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding tech career with motherhood and the liberating decision to prioritize family and passion. Flo recounts co-founding "Women in Tech" (WIT) at LinkedIn, highlighting the power of community, allyship, and intentionally embedding inclusion into company culture. Vicky Fang, author and former Google product designer, reveals her journey from aspiring actress to STEM advocate through her children's books. She explains how her diverse background fuels her creative process, inspiring kids to be "creative problem solvers." Vicky also candidly shares the challenges of managing multiple creative endeavors, promoting her growing list of published books, and even venturing into TV writing. Both guests open up about the "real stuff" - the struggles, rejections, and moments of self-doubt that come with career pivots and balancing personal life. They emphasize the importance of self-reflection, listening to one's gut, and finding true passion over external expectations. The episode celebrates the power of community, the joy of empowering others, and the courage to redefine success on your own terms. Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser  

Telle Whitney—a pioneering computer scientist, co-founder of the Grace Hopper Celebration, former CEO of AnitaB.org, and now, author of the book Rebooting Tech Culture: How to Ignite Innovation and Build Organizations Where Everyone Can Thrive. Telle shares her incredible journey as one of the first women in tech to step into leadership and has been on a mission to ensure no other woman feels isolated in their career like she once did. Her path, from being one of the only women in engineering meetings to co-founding one of the largest global gatherings for women technologists, is nothing short of extraordinary. Together, we unpack: 🧠 The early days of being a woman in a male-dominated tech environment 💡 How she and Anita Borg sparked the Grace Hopper Celebration from a single idea 📘 Why she wrote Rebooting Tech Culture, and what organizations must do now to foster equity and innovation 🔁 Lessons in burnout, sustaining leadership, and building inclusive companies that actually work for everyone 🌱 Telle's perspective on legacy, mentorship, and evolving beyond performative DEI efforts 💬 "You don't need permission to lead. You just need to care enough to begin." This episode is a masterclass in values-driven leadership—thoughtful, grounded, and full of actionable wisdom. Whether you're a woman in tech, an aspiring leader, or someone working to create more inclusive workplaces, this conversation will challenge and uplift you. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser  

🎙️ EPISODE: From Corporate Grit to Cannabis Grit – Erin Gore's Journey with Garden Society In this bold and deeply human episode of HumanizeHer, we sit down with Erin Gore, the powerhouse founder and CEO of Garden Society. From a chemical engineering background and climbing the ranks in a male-dominated corporate world to pioneering in the cannabis industry, Erin shares how pain, perseverance, and purpose led her to build one of the most innovative and woman-led cannabis brands in the country. We unpack: The shocking realities Erin faced as the first woman in a chemical plant How a garden party with girlfriends sparked a mission-driven company Her vision for making cannabis approachable, effective, and stigma-free Fast-acting edibles, equity in cannabis, and building a diverse cap table Raising capital as a woman founder in an industry that still doesn't fully get it This conversation is packed with grit, growth, and game-changing perspective. Whether you're curious about cannabis or just love a story about a woman rewriting the rules—this one's for you. Disclaimer: The following conversation contains personal experiences and perspectives regarding cannabis. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. The views expressed by guests are their own. Cannabis consumption should be done responsibly and in accordance with local laws. Please consult your healthcare provider before using cannabis for any medical purpose. Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser

In this special HumanizeHer live episode from SXSW, Adrienne Bankert, who is an Emmy-award winning journalist who has worked as a broadcast journalist for NewsNation, ABC News, Good Morning America with a mission to deliver unbiased news. From covering major events like the 2011 tsunami to interviewing Lady Gaga and The Rock, Bankert's reporting shaped her empathetic style. Now, she embarks on the fearless endeavor to discuss faith at work, including in her special series "One Nation Under God," and her new YouTube personal podcast series  where she has conversations about where faith lives in culture, current events, sports and media, particularly for Gen Z.  Help support her and follow her on Instagram and YouTube. Live at SXSW, Adrienne opens up about her current endeavor: a powerful shift towards unbiased news that seeks to humanize people of faith. What does unbiased news truly mean, and how can faith-based reporting achieve it? We delve into thought-provoking questions like how faith finds its place in technology, media, and sports, and even explores faith in the face of death and grief. Learn how Adrienne approaches conversations with those holding vastly different worldviews and her strategies for building trust with anyone she meets – a skill highlighted in her insightful TED Talk. We also explore Adrienne's book, "Your Hidden Superpower," uncovering the inspiration behind it and the impactful lessons on kindness it imparts. Hear about moments in her career where kindness made a tangible difference. Tune in for a deeply humanizing conversation with HumanizeHer podcast hosts, Erica Lockheimer and Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser that bridges divides and illuminates the power of faith and understanding in today's world. Plus, don't miss Adrienne's inspiring "Pay It Forward" moment, where she shines a light on incredible women making a difference.

In this special HumanizeHer live episode from SXSW, we dive deep into the lived experiences and bold voices of two remarkable women reshaping the landscape of sport, identity, and advocacy: Lizzi Smith, Paralympic swimmer and 3x medalist, and Erin Crownover, PhD candidate and Voice In Sport Foundation researcher. From the loneliness that often accompanies the pursuit of excellence to the sisterhood they found in each other, Lizzi and Erin open up about what it truly means to belong—both in and beyond the game. Lizzi shares the emotional journey of growing up with a disability in competitive swimming and what she wishes someone had told her as a young girl not seeing herself reflected in her sport. Erin takes us through her passion for sports history, the evolving portrayal of women athletes in media, and how her PhD work is reframing narratives around beauty, ability, and what sells in women's sports. Together, they unpack the pressure to "hack the system" for visibility, the critical role of mentorship through Voice in Sport, and how brand partnerships can become vehicles for social change when wielded authentically. ✨ Topics we cover: Finding power in vulnerability: redefining what it means to be a woman athlete Representation in Paralympics and the reality behind media exposure What we still get wrong about disability in sport—and how to fix it Navigating identity beyond performance The message Lizzi wants every mom of a child with a disability to hear Why Erin believes the real revolution in women's sports is still ahead The loneliness of ambition—and how friendship makes the journey bearable This is a conversation about fire, fatigue, friendship, and fierce advocacy. If you've ever felt unseen, unheard, or underestimated, this one's for you. 🎧 Tune in. Be moved. HumanizeHer. Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser

In this special HumanizeHer live episode from SXSW, 🎙️ we sat down with Oscar-nominated director Cindy Lee & actor Avumile Qongqo to chat about their powerful film, "The Last Ranger." by Kindred Films This intimate conversation, held within the bustling energy of the SXSW Expo Hall, provided a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of the film's creation and its profound message.    Cindy and Avumile shared insights into the deeply personal nature of "The Last Ranger," a film that tackles the urgent issue of rhino poaching in South Africa. They discussed the importance of authentic storytelling, highlighting women rangers. The discussion explored the universality of the film's themes, particularly motherhood and the fight for survival, resonating with a global audience. The interview also touched upon the challenges and triumphs of filmmaking in South Africa that Cindy Lee is trying to bring awareness to. Avumile shared her experience preparing for her role, emphasizing the emotional and physical demands of portraying a ranger. Both discussed the unique experience of working with child actress Liyabona Mroqoza, who also made a special appearance during the live recording. Cindy's perspective as a woman director was a significant focus, with both guests addressing the importance of female representation on set. The conversation highlighted the need to move beyond simply acknowledging "woman directors" and towards a space where gender is not a defining factor. Throughout the interview, Cindy and Avumile emphasized the film's impact on rhino conservation and their commitment to representing African culture with authenticity.  This live HumanizeHer interview at SXSW was more than just a discussion about a film; it was a celebration of resilience, creative passion, and the power of storytelling to inspire change. It provided a platform to humanize the filmmaking process and amplify the voices of women making a difference in the world Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser  

Join us in this deeply insightful and vulnerable conversation with Erica Lockheimer, CEO and Founder of the HumanizeHer podcast and ex-VP of Engineering at LinkedIn. Erica opens up about her remarkable career journey from being the first person in her family to graduate from college from San Jose State University to sharing the highs, lows, and pivotal moments that shaped her path. From navigating the complexities of the tech industry from the early Dot-com days, mobile era to championing diversity and inclusion, Erica's story is one of resilience, leadership, and the power of authenticity. Discover the challenges she overcame, the lessons she learned, and the advice she has for aspiring leaders, especially Women in Tech. Erica's candid sharing of her experiences will inspire you to embrace your own vulnerability and pursue your passions with courage. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a budding entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for inspiration, this interview is a must-watch. Tune in and be empowered by Erica Lockheimer's incredible journey.

In this insightful episode of The HumanizeHer Podcast, get ready to be inspired! We have a true force of nature joining us today: Aishwarya Srinivasan! Currently she heads Developer Relations and Growth at Fireworks AI.   She was previously at Microsoft as a Senior AI Advisor to help Y Combinator startups build machine learning solutions leveraging Microsoft's core OpenAI products. Prior to this, Aishwarya was working as a Data Scientist in Google Cloud and an AI & ML Innovation Leader at IBM. She's a Columbia Data Science post-grad, and an advocate for open-source technologies and is a contributor to Deepchecks, Lightning AI and Scikit Learn Her accolades? Trailblazer of the Year by Women in AI and a Woman of Influence by the Business Journal, both in 2022! She received the EB1A Green Card for her AI contributions, has been spotlighted as a LinkedIn Top Voice for Data Science and AI and has over a half a million LinkedIn followers. Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser.

In this insightful episode of The HumanizeHer Podcast, we're diving deep into the world of company culture and talent with a true leader in the field - Linda Aiello Linda is the Chief People Officer at DraftKings, where she leads all aspects of the employee experience for the online sports entertainment and gaming giant. She's responsible for finding and growing top talent, developing future leaders, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace – which is a crucial element for any successful company. Linda has an incredible track record of success in the HR world. She's held CPO roles at major companies like Qurate Retail Group and Stitch Fix, and spent years leading employee success initiatives at Salesforce, Uber and Louis Vuitton.  She's also been recognized as a top HR professional by the National Diversity Council.  We'll also hear about her personal journey and how she's overcome adversity to achieve incredible success. Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser. as we dive into Linda's insights on building winning teams and creating a thriving company culture.   

Pam Kostka, a seasoned executive with nearly 30 years of experience driving growth at enterprise startups and building successful companies. Pam's career spans across various leadership roles, including CEO, CMO, and currently sits on multiple boards, is an advisor and executive in residence.   As an executive-in-Residence at Magnify Ventures, Pam is focused on the "care economy" – a sector that's revolutionizing how we support families, care for aging populations, and manage our households.  Prior to Magnify, Pam was the CEO of All Raise, a non-profit dedicated to increasing the representation of women in venture capital.They've supported thousands of female and non-binary founders and funders, and significantly increased the number of women checkwriters in venture capital. Please join us as we dive into Pam's insights and learnings from scaling multiple startups all through her vision for a more equitable and inclusive ecosystem.

Amy Wong, founder of Always On Purpose is an executive leadership coach, author, and keynote speaker who has worked with some of the most influential organizations and individuals, including Salesforce, PWC, Berkshire Hathaway, LinkedIn, and universities like Stanford and Berkeley. Amy draws upon a diverse range of disciplines and practices, integrating them into a unique approach that focuses on three key lenses: Self, Relationships, and Results. Her book, "Living On Purpose," was honored with the 2022 Book of the Year award by The Magic Pen. Get ready to gain valuable insights and practical tools that can enhance both your professional and personal life. And bonus, Hosts Erica Lockheimer and Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser both have had the privilege of experiencing Amy's transformative workshops firsthand, and witnessed the profound impact of her work.  This episode feels like a live workshop session you will not want to miss.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyelizawong/ https://www.alwaysonpurpose.com/   #AmyWong #AlwaysOnPurpose #LivingOnPurpose #Leadership #KeyNoteSpeaker #workshop  

In this insightful episode of The HumanizeHer Podcast, wheels are a girl's best friend, right?  We're sitting down with Adriana Boas, one of Bentley's award-winning sales liaisons - but she didn't start out in the sales industry.  Adriana was born in Brazil with degrees in journalism and holistic medicine, and when she migrated to the US, she gets real about going from food stamps to a six-figure commission-based gig. She's earned multiple awards under Bentley's prestigious, banner and notably holds this distinction of being the only female to receive a perfect score on Aston Martin's rigorous test about cars. With her, charming accent in three languages, Adriana's success is as undeniable as her magnetic personality.  www.instagram.com/highheels_and_wheels/ https://www.losgatosluxcars.com/ Join the conversation with host, Erica Lockheimer and co-host Elizabeth Wendorf-Bloesser

Is the way we work working?  In this episode, we're sitting down with Stacey Gordon, MBA who is a leader in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space - or as she prefers to describe DEI:  the Disrupt, Evolve, and Innovate space.  She shares her first-hand experience of witnessing bias which led her to becoming the Founder and CEO of Rework Work - a company that does DEI differently on their mission to reduce bias in global talent acquisition and management and creating workplace cultures where employees feel they belong.  She touches on the power of mentors and dives into the frameworks she uses to help companies become better at creating an inclusive environment, relearn how to hire with intention, and realize the importance of flexibility in work.   Stacey Gordon ReworkWork.com Booking on Being UnBias Unconscious Inclusion